World Trade Center Sphere will return to Liberty Park near its original home

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BATTERY PARK, Manhattan — A fixture of the original World Trade Center Plaza, the Koenig Sphere is returning nearby the original location after more than 14 years in Battery Park.

The Port Authority's Board of Commissioners unanimously approved plans on Thursday to relocate the Koenig Sphere to Liberty Park, an elevated park opened last month that overlooks the 9/11 Memorial.

“Returning the iconic Koenig sphere to its rightful home at the World Trade Center site symbolizes our resilience in the wake of unspeakable horror and that we will never forget those who were lost on that fateful day in September,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Steven Cohen.

The sculpture, which was designed as a symbol of peace by German artist Fritz Koenig, was found in the rubble of the Twin Towers after the attack. The sculpture, still bearing the scars and damage from that horrific day, was moved to Battery Park six months after the attack as a temporary memorial to the 2,753 people who were killed.

"The Sphere is a symbol of strength and survival and reflects the Port Authority’s continuing commitment to remember those, including 84 agency employees, who were lost 15 years ago and those who survived the terrible attacks at the World Trade Center site,” said Port Authority Chairman John Degnan.

In the years since the attack, people had discussed moving the 25-ton sculpture back to its exact pre-9/11 location, but the original has been reconfigured.

Plans to move the piece are still being finalized.

Mike Burke's brother was FDNY Captain Billy Burke. He died trying to help people in the north tower. Mike Burke has worked to create a permanent home.

Burke believes this is a good location and says it will overlook his brother's name at the memorial.